Heat rises, but it’s always cooler on the top. As warm springtime weather returns, turn it up a notch by hitting the great outdoors on a roof. New places are on the scene and well-loved spots have emerged from hibernation for a new round of alfresco drinking and dining. We searched high and low (mostly high) for the best rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail and take in brilliant vistas.
Why be perched above one hotel when you can straddle two? The new High Note is positioned between AC Hotel and Moxy Midtown six floors up with city views. There is an energy here of both rooftop refinery and coziness. The surroundings are chic and modern — shades of gray, a rectangular bar at the center and dangling light bulbs overhead. The menu is chock-full of comfort food like pimento grilled cheese, Korean-style chicken wings, tuna poke with chips and guacamole (although they call it “smashed avocado” for fanciness). A light and bright WCW made with vodka, cantaloupe shrub, lemon and mint is topped with sparkling Topo Chico and a floral garnish.